Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite that’s attached to the front of your tooth to make it look better. They’re often used to treat stained, chipped, misshapen, or crooked teeth.

Types of veneers

There are different types of dental veneer to choose from, including:

• Porcelain veneers. These are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Your dentist will need to remove some of the outer layer of your tooth (enamel) to help cement them in place. Porcelain veneers may be more expensive than other types of veneer and take a few appointments to complete, but they’re often stronger and last longer.
• Composite veneers. This is when your dentist applies a thin layer of composite resin directly to the surface of your tooth. They then shape and harden it using a special curing light. Once hardened, the resin is polished to look like your other teeth. Composite veneers are generally cheaper and quicker to attach than porcelain veneers, but might stain or chip over time. They last around five years on average.
• No-prep veneers. These types of veneer are also custom-made and bonded to the surface of your tooth. They can be made of porcelain or composite and require little or no removal of the tooth enamel first. They’re a less invasive option, but aren’t suitable for everyone, especially if you need major changes to the shape or position of your teeth.

Uses of veneers

Dental veneers can be used to treat teeth that are:

• chipped, cracked or broken
• stained or discoloured (where whitening won’t work)
• spaced out, with small gaps in between
• slightly crooked
• misshapen, such as very small or pointed teeth

If you have gum disease or tooth decay, you’ll need to have treatment to fix these issues before having veneers.

Things to consider

There’s a lot to think about before deciding if dental veneers are the right choice for you. Your dentist can answer any questions you may have to help you make an informed decision. But it might help to know that veneers:

• can give you a natural looking, straighter and whiter smile
• can last for over 10 years with good care
• made from porcelain are stronger and more stain-resistant than composite veneer
• may require permanently removing some of the outer layer (enamel) of your tooth underneath
• might make your teeth feel more sensitive to hot and cold 
• sometimes break and need repairing or replacing

Preparing for veneers

If you’re thinking of getting dental veneers, make an appointment to see a dentist. They’ll go through all your options with you. They’ll also check the health of your teeth and gums to make sure veneers are right for you.

If you decide to go ahead with porcelain veneers, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a very small amount of enamel from their surface. This will make it easier to permanently cement your veneer and tooth together later on. They might also give you an injection with a local anaesthetic to numb any pain. Then they’ll take an impression of your mouth using soft putty in a tray or a 3D dental scanner and send this to a lab who will create your custom-made veneers. It can take a few weeks for your veneers to come back, so your dentist might fit a temporary veneer until then..

This step isn’t necessary if you’re having composite veneers, because the resin is applied directly to the surface of your tooth without removing much enamel first.

How are veneers fitted?

Porcelain veneers

Once your porcelain veneers are ready, your dentist will invite you back for a second appointment to fit them. Your dentist will permanently attach your veneer to your natural tooth using a strong dental glue. They’ll also make sure you’re happy with the fit, shape and colour of your new veneer.

Composite veneers

If you opt for composite resin veneers, your dentist will roughen the surface of your tooth a little before applying a very thin layer of resin to it. They might need to apply a few layers, and will harden and polish it until looks the way you want.

Aftercare for veneers

To keep your dental veneers looking their best and lasting longer, take care of them in the same way you would your other teeth.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss in between your teeth at least once a day.
• Wear a mouth guard if you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night to stop them from breaking.
• Avoid hard or staining foods, like ice, coffee and red wine.
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning.

Alternatives to veneers

Your dentist can go through all the options for improving the appearance of your teeth and recommend the best treatment for you. Alternatives to veneers could include:

• A dental crown: This is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the top of your tooth completely. While veneers only improve the way your teeth look, a crown can also strengthen your existing tooth.
• Composite bonding: This involves applying a resin to your tooth to cover any minor cracks, chips or discolouration.
• Teeth whitening: Professional teeth whitening can sometimes be used to improve the appearance of stained or discoloured teeth but will not change the shape of your tooth and may not remove deep stains.
• Orthodontics: This is the name given to treatments that help straighten your teeth like metal braces or clear aligners. It can often be used to correct crooked or overcrowded teeth.